Admire the crimson leaves and enjoy the scenic beauty — The Taoyuan Shimen Tourism Festival kicks off in December

▲ Shimen Reservoir is one of the best maple-viewing spots in northern Taiwan. (Photo / Courtesy ofMinistry of Economic Affairs, Water Resources Agencywebsite)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The 2013 Maple Shimen – Taoyuan Shimen Tourism Festival series of events will launch on December 7, featuring the inaugural Strive-Upward Bicycle Carnival, stage performances on the dam top, the grand opening of the Longmen Tea House with complimentary guided tours, and more. Among them, the newly launched bicycle carnival allows participants to cruise along a roughly 2-kilometer cycling path through maple forests and take in the stunning views of Shimen, including a section with an almost 30% gradient — offering not just a visual treat but also a unique experience of striving upstream like a fish.

The bicycle carnival will start at 10:30 AM on December 7 at the Pinglin Toll Station. Simply sign up online to join the cycling tour that combines leaf-peeping and hill-climbing. Stage performances on the dam top will be held on December 7 and 8 at the Yishan Pavilion, featuring a variety of acts such as orchestras, theater troupes, and belly dancing.

The grand opening of the Longmen Tea House and complimentary guided tours will both take place on December 7 and 8. The Longmen Tea House activities are located along the maple-viewing trail, inviting visitors to step into the homeland of northern Taiwan’s tea culture and enjoy the soothing, sweet-aftertaste Longtan tea for free under the maple trees. The free guided tours include experiences such as riding a solar-powered electric boat, ecological tours of the Shimen Reservoir area, visits to the Shimen Power Plant, and exploration of Hakka villages.